One Night of Scandal Read Online Free PDF

Such an outward show of composure would be of great use when dealing with the advances of a rake like Lord Richard Kestrel. Alas for her, Deb felt that she wore her heart on her sleeve, and, no matter how she tried, she was incapable of hiding her feelings. When a scoundrel like Lord Richard provoked her she reacted impulsively. It always got her into trouble.
    Deb sighed and stirred her tea, forgetting that she had already done it once and that she did not take sugar anyway. She wished that she could achieve Olivia’s levels of serenity. Her sister seldom lost her temper and always appeared tranquil. Occasionally Deb would wonder if Olivia had no warmer feelings at all, for she never saw evidence of them. She had even wondered if this was responsible for the estrangement between Olivia and her husband Ross. Ross was by temperament quite similar to Deb herself for he had a quick temper. Deb had always thought this was one of the reasons why they dealt together so well. Olivia, in contrast, was tranquil and self-possessed. She reminded Deb of violets and cool water, whereas if she had to characterise herown temperament she would have thought of hot coals and scarlet roses.
    Olivia’s frown had deepened slightly. ‘Is it possible to kiss on horseback?’ she enquired now. ‘I had always imagined it would be a little difficult. I take it that you were on horseback at this point?’
    ‘Of course we were!’ Deb tried not to sound too sharp. ‘You do not think that I dismounted so that he could kiss me properly, do you?’
    Olivia raised her brows at her sister’s tone. ‘There is no need to be snappish. You might have been tempted.’
    ‘Well, I was not,’ Deb said untruthfully. ‘Lord Richard takes the most shocking liberties and I do all I can to discourage him.’
    ‘So you were on horseback and it is possible to kiss properly in that situation,’ Olivia mused. ‘How interesting!’
    Deb sighed crossly. For once she did not feel that her sister, normally so sympathetic, was giving her appropriate support.
    ‘It was not interesting , Liv,’ she said. ‘It was quite outrageous.’
    ‘Oh, pooh,’ Olivia said. ‘Outrageous, indeed! I wish I had your difficulties, Deb. You would not hear me complaining.’
    ‘Liv!’ Deb was genuinely scandalised. Despite the unsatisfactory state of her marriage, Olivia had never indicated for a second that she would look elsewhere for consolation.
    Olivia shrugged, but her blue eyes were twinkling. ‘No need to sound so huffy, Deb. I did but wish to point out that most ladies would give their best gown to be in your shoes as far as Lord Richard Kestrel was concerned—yes, and throw in their jewels as well, into the bargain!’
    Deb snorted. ‘What nonsense—’
    ‘You protest too much,’ Olivia said, plucking a grape from the silver bowl of fruit at her elbow. She looked backat her sister and her gaze was shrewd. ‘Cut line, Deb. You know that you like him. There is no point in trying to gammon me—or yourself either.’
    There was silence that fizzed with indignation and then Deb subsided with a little sigh.
    ‘Oh dear, I confess that you might be right. How is it that you know me so well, Liv?’
    ‘Years of observation,’ her sister said calmly. ‘You are easy to read, Deb. You like Lord Richard Kestrel, you enjoyed his kisses and, though you are shocked at yourself for even considering it, you are wondering just how far you could let him go before you got into difficulties.’
    ‘Liv!’ Deb said again. The colour flooded her face. Her sister’s assessment was uncannily accurate.
    ‘Well?’
    Deb rubbed a hand across her forehead. ‘I admit that I enjoy Lord Richard’s company,’ she said, feeling a certain relief that she could discuss her feelings honestly with Olivia. ‘He has a very engaging manner, in an impudent sort of a way…’
    ‘And his compliments are very pretty.’
    ‘True, but very practised.’
    ‘And are his kisses practised